The Razer Blade Stealth got my attention for at least two reasons: Thunderbolt 3 and optional external GPU expander called 'Core.' We are on the 'Notify' list for the Core. Meanwhile, we decided to compare it to the 13.3" MacBook Pro since they both have a Core i7 processor, Integrated GPU, PCIe based flash storage, and 'retina' screen.

GPUtest FurMarkKnown as the "GPU burner", it is a quick take on graphics processor speed potential.(HIGHEST number in Frames per Second = FASTEST)

GFXBench OpenGLThe T-Rex chasing a motocross rider is typical of game play. (HIGHEST number in Frames per Second = FASTEST)

Unigine Heaven BenchmarkThis GPU-intensive benchmark that hammers graphics cards to the limits. It flys through a magical steampunk world of shiny brass, wood and gears, leveraging the most advanced capabilities of graphics APIs.(HIGHEST number in Frames per Second = FASTEST)

AJA System TestUsing a 4G test size, we measured the PCIe flash storage transfer speed. (HIGHEST number in Megabytes per Second = FASTEST)

Hmm. The write speed of the Blade Stealth's PCIe flash storage is much slower than the MacBook Pro's.

ANALYSISThe Razer Blade Stealth has the edge of graphics performance while the 'early 2015' Apple MacBook Pro 13.3" has the edge on CPU and Flash Storage performance.

The elephant in the room? The Blade Stealth supports Thunderbolt 3! Very soon we hope to publish test results for Thunderbolt 3 storage as well as an advanced GPU running in the Thunderbolt 3 Core expander.

I believe it is a healthy exercise to peer over the fence from time to time. I will be looking with great interest to see what features and capabilities are added to the MacBook Pro line in 2016. One suggestion: Thunderbolt 3!